Social Issues in Behavior Analysis: Behavior or Cultural Practice? A Case Study on the Diffusion of Feminism in Brazilian Behavior Analysis

One criticism of behavior analysis is that it neglects ethical–political issues in favor of technoscientific rigor. However, upon closer examination, some behavior-analytic studies demonstrate a clear interest in social commitment and responsibility. This study aims to understand whether behavior analysts' interest in social issues arises from contingencies inside or outside of the behavior-analytic community. To this end, a case study about the diffusion of feminism in Brazilian behavior analysis was carried out with 14 female authors of the first volume of the book Debates on Feminism and Behavior Analysis. The results were grouped into three thematic categories: (1) contexts and pretexts for the study of feminism; (2) obstacles faced by the authors; and (3) the role of the supportive contingencies provided by the Marias and Amélias Collective. The contact with feminism occurred predominantly outside of behavior analysis, and several obstacles pervaded the feminist studies in our community. Marias and Amélias Collective played a crucial role in encouraging and promoting feminist discussions in the field. Therefore, scientific policies are necessary so that the ethical–political debate on behavior analysis becomes a cultural practice and is not restricted to the behavior of some individual behavior analysts.